A NEW bridge will be built over a North Wales harbour after a major bid for lottery funding was won.

Only one road bridge spans the River Clwyd between Rhyl and Kinmel Bay, but it cannot be developed because of its historical importance.

All that could be set to change, however, after a multi-million-pound victory yesterday.

Transport charity Sustrans was successful in its bid for £50m for the Connect2 network, creating new foot and cycle paths across the country.

The charity’s victory was announced yesterday after a television vote, with the bid winning 42% of the vote.

The new bridge will be built to form part of the national cycle route, and would also be open to pedestrians. It would cross the River Clwyd between Rhyl’s West Parade and the harbour, as part of the major developments in the town’s West End.

Councillor Mike German, Denbighshire’s lead member for environment, said: “This is such an exciting development for the West Parade and Foryd Harbour areas of Rhyl and we are delighted that the plan has been given the seal of approval of the Big Lottery Fund.

“The council has worked tirelessly with Sustrans and other partners to raise the profile of the bid and we would like to thank everyone that phoned or voted online for Connect2.”

John Grimshaw, Sustrans’ chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic Christmas present. We are delighted that Sustrans’ Connect2 has proved itself the people’s favourite in the public vote and won the £50million from the Big Lottery Fund.

“We are immensely grateful to Denbighshire County Council and everyone who got behind the New Foryd pedestrian and cycle bridge project in Rhyl to make their votes count.

“It has confirmed our belief that people want to walk and cycle more when given the right surroundings.

“But the hard work starts now and there will be a huge amount to be done to make sure we fulfil all our obligations to the Big Lottery Fund.

“Ultimately the real winners will be those thousands of people who will now be able to Connect2 their shops, schools, workplaces and each other every day.”

The only bridge currently over the Foryd Harbour is the Grade II-listed Foryd bridge.

It was designed and built by the Dorman Long company, who were also responsible for Sydney Harbour Bridge.